Conducting conversations with individual citizens was stressed several times during the meeting. Services like Twitter and Facebook are used by many city agencies. The problem is many agencies treat social media like traditional PR outlets, tweeting out press releases and posting them on their Facebook pages.

The Mayor’s Office seemed to understand the new media reality and was actively promoting a new approach at City agencies. This includes enduring the complaints of their constituents.

“I don’t think we can have it both ways. I don’t think we can create an open dialogue and try to protect ourselves from insult at the same time,” said newly appointed Deputy Mayor for Operations Stephen Goldsmith. “I’m for an open dialogue, I’m not too worried about where the angry comments get registered.”